Numerical analysis of masonry structures, taking into account measured geometric and material data

Abstract

Ideas related to the numerical analysis of masonry structures are presented in this article. Terrestrial photogrammetry methods are used for the exact representation of the geometry of the structures. Numerical models are then developed for the study of the mechanical behaviour of masonry. Non-linear finite element analysis models with principles taken from contact mechanics and damage laws are used for the evaluation of the ultimate load and collapse mechanism, in a macroscopic level. Furthermore, computational homogenization is used in a multi-scale framework, for the investigation of the heterogeneous nature of masonry in a mesoscopic level. Classical plasticity laws and/or delamination phenomena are taken into account for the representation of the failure of the material. The effective behaviour is transferred to the macroscopic scale. Applications to real masonry arch bridges and masonry walls are finally presented.